Word Origin & History

search early 14c., from O.Fr. cerchier "to search," from L. circare "go about, wander, traverse," from circus "circle." The noun is first recorded c.1400. Phrase search me as a verbal shrug of ignorance first recorded 1901. Search warrant first attested 1739. Search-light recorded from 1883.

Example Sentences for searches

Her mind, if we saw it, would tell us everything then at least; she searches its deepest depth, it is evident.

He searches his heart: it is blameless; so why should he sorrow, what should he fear?

There is in man the same quality of mental keenness that searches into things as is in God.

Then she searches by the head of the bed and finds Whitefire which hung there, and draws the sword.

The man who searches effect for cause must find his goal most often in the influence of a woman.

He is the most orthodox who searches after the truth and keeps up with the age.

The biographer who searches them for traits quivering with intimate experience searches all but in vain.

Our God who searches our hearts and tries our reins would have it so.

To this Abbassah replied: 'On my head and eyes be it;' and while she searches for a physician, let us return to the unhappy Numan.

But no one searches them; no one can guess at their contents—except Phoebe.